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Agriculture | November 07, 2018

Labor won’t make rates fair for farmers

The Nationals Member for Lowan Emma Kealy MP says Daniel Andrews’ rates cap has been anything but ‘fair’, particularly for farmers who are already under pressure from drought and high energy and water prices.

“City-centric Labor just don’t seem to understand the pressure farmers are under with rates,” Ms Kealy said.

Today, Labor says it “will support an inquiry into the council rating system”, but won’t apply a category-based rates cap.

“This will mean no relief for farmers who’ve already faced skyrocketing rates rises this year”, Ms Kealy said.

“With farm rates increasing for some farmers by 43%, it will only get tougher for them while Daniel Andrews refuses to make sure his rates cap is applied in a fair and equitable way.

“Farmers are calling for answer and action, and the Liberal Nationals are listening.

“If elected, a Liberal Nationals Government will act to make rates fair for farmers, prioritising an independent review into farm rates in Victoria. We’ll also get rate rises under control by applying a 2.25% rate cap limit to all rating categories while the review’s undertaken.

“Only a Liberal Nationals Government will be committed to easing the cost of living and that includes fairer rates for all our farmers,” she said.